tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13547947172732499912018-03-02T11:15:16.276-05:00The Traveling HousewifeA blog about Faith and family, crafting and cooking, books and movies, beauty and fashion, and anything else that I couldn't think of a clever category for.Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-66245704986020443922013-12-12T16:48:00.001-05:002013-12-12T16:48:47.495-05:00The Birth of our Second Daughter<p dir="ltr">For now we will call baby number 2 "Belly".</p><p dir="ltr">&#8220;Belly&#8221; was born on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 12:03 am, eleven days past her due date, just like her older sister. As far as similarities of birth's go, that's about it. This story actually starts though, on September 13, 2011, the day after I had given birth to a 6 lb, 13 oz baby girl via emergency c-section. When my Dr. came in to my hospital room to discuss my surgery the next day I asked her if a was a potential candidate for a VBAC, a term I had learned during my pregnancy. She said that she would give me about a 60% chance of success. That was all I needed to hear to make my decision. If God ever allowed me to become pregnant again, I would do my best to try for a VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean. We were encouraged by our Dr. to wait a year between pregnancies to give my scar plenty of time to heal. A little before my daughter's 1st&#160;birthday we stopped trying to prevent pregnancy and decided to just see what would happen. As I was still nursing, nothing did until a few cycles after I stopped. It took about 5 months of actually trying, but by the end of January we found out we were pregnant with number 2! Right from the beginning I was already focused on the end. I went ahead and made an appointment with my current OB/GYN to confirm the pregnancy and begink the process, but I had a strong feeling that I would be switching providers. At my first appointment I asked about VBACs and how long they would let me go past my due date as I knew this would be a determining factor for me. They confirmed what I suspected, they would not let me go past my due date. Knowing how late I went with my daughter, I decided that was not a battle I wanted to fight and went in search of a provider that would be more sympathetic to my wishes. I knew of a birth center that my best friend had given birth at and made an appointment with them. Although I could not legally deliver at their center, I still had options with them. I could either birth at home with their assistance, or they had just had a mid wife join their practice that had hospital privileges, meaning I could see them for my prenatal care and then deliver at the hospital. I also found out that this hospital was the most VBAC friendly in my city and would be willing to work with me. My plan, if all went well was to hold off going to the hospital as long as possible so that their wouldn't be much to debate on anyways. My pregnancy was pretty uneventful and &#160;sure enough, 40 weeks came and went. I made the decision to have the midwife check me at that appointment to see if I was even dilated any, and if possible sweep my membranes. I was a soft 1 at best. Fortunately, I had 2 friends with me so it was a little easier to hide my disappointment. At my 41 week appointment, a Wednesday, I was a little more dilated and she was able to sweep my membranes. Although the baby was in the right position and had been for some time, still nothing happened. I went about the next days trying my best to keep spirits up and rest and hoping against hope that I would not have to go in for my appointment on the following Monday to have my membranes swept again. On Friday I woke up to the sheer delight of the beginning of the loss of my mucus plug. When you are that far along, I think it's safe to assume that loss of your mucus plug means that labor is imminent! That night we went to my parents house for dinner and I pretty much took it as easy as possible. The next day, Saturday, both my husband and daughter woke up sick. I sent my husband back to bed, &#8220;just in case&#8221; and cuddled with my daughter on the couch, watching cartoons. My husband slept until almost noon. When he got up I had a burst of energy (and frustration) and wore myself out cleaning up the front porch. After lunch I tried to take a little nap myself. I was having Braxton Hicks, but they weren't painful, just a little uncomfortable and they weren't super frequent, maybe 5-6 an hour, but they were enough to keep me from resting well. I more or less tried to find comfortable positions for the rest of the afternoon, including sitting on an exercise ball. At about 5 pm, I went to use the bathroom, when I stood up I felt a pop and had a little gush. It wasn't a big gush but I still was pretty sure it was my water as the same thing had happened with my first child. I went back and sat on the ball (on a towel!) and called the midwife. We had quite a long chat and made the plan that if I hadn't gone into labor by 5 the next morning that I would need to head to hospital by then. We also decided that if I felt like things were progressing, that she could meet me at the birth center and check me to see how things were going. Either way, I would be having a baby in the next 36 hours. I then called my parents so that they could make plans to come get my daughter. We asked them to stop at Mcdonald's since we hadn't eaten yet. I had been sitting on the ball for about 30 minutes at that point and when I stood up again I had a major rush of fluid. If there was a question if my water had broken, there wasn't anymore! Timing starts to be a little bit of a blur at that point but it was then that I started having a bit more serious contractions. My parents made it to our house by 7 and around that time I ate a cheeseburger, thinking it was the last thing I would eat for a long time. My parents were probably gone by 7:30 and by that time I wasn't really wanting to talk much to anyone through contractions. They weren't crazy by any means, I could talk if I needed to, I just preferred not to. I had sort of been timing/counting them, so after they left I decided to try to time them for real. At that point they were about 4 minutes apart and about a minute long so after half an hour we decided to call the midwife and head to the hospital. It was a 15 minute drive that I really didn't want to make while having a lot of contractions. By the time we got there I had to stop for every contraction as we made our way into the hospital. As we were filling out the paperwork I had my head on the desk, trying to answer questions the best I could. I finally got checked in and settled in triage and the on call doctor checked me around 9:30 PM. I just remember thinking how young she seemed, my age maybe! When she checked me I was 3-4 cm. Not good. Here I am thinking things must be really progressing with how much pain I'm in and I'm only that far! Not even active labor. All along my midwife had told me that epidurals were not the enemy so I decided to get one. I figured that since my water had already broken that they were going to have to use pitocin anyway and I did not want to be on it without an epidural. Well, things really get fuzzy from here on out. I think they had moved me to labor and delivery by 10:30 and I remember just hanging on for dear life on the ride over. It wasn't a crazy ride or anything but my contractions were getting really serious. I was also stuck in the bed this whole time because it seemed like we were always waiting on something (waiting on the doctor to check me, waiting to get an IV, waiting on blood work, etc.) and also, that they wanted me to stay on the monitor. I did not like the monitor as I had to be somewhat still for it to work but at the same time I knew that it was important to make sure the baby was tolerating labor well as distress is one of the signs of uterine rupture. I knew that it was a very low chance of that happening but I still wanted to be safe so I did my best to stay put. I don't remember when they took my blood but I knew that it took an hour for them to process it for the epidural. The anesthesiologist came in and started asking questions and doing his paper work and it seemed like it took FOREVER! I don't know exactly when he finally started working on me but when he did, I was really hurting! I think my nurse was as ready for me to get that epidural as I was. I remember thinking that I was such a wimp! I was making a lot of noise during contractions now and really wanted to yell, but was just a little too dignified for that. When the anesthesiologist had me get into position I just went into this zone because I knew I had to be perfectly still. As I was having contractions I remember thinking that the only way I was going to be still was to bear down through them. On the fourth one I realized that I was pushing and told the nurse that it was coming. &#8220;What's coming?&#8221;, she said. &#8220;The baby's coming!&#8221; At that point things happened really fast. She told the anesthesiologist that done or not, he was done and made me roll over to check. Sure enough, she was coming. Suddenly the room was full of people and I was having a baby without an epidural! In less than five minutes, our daughter was born. I definitely remember thinking &#8220;Ring of Fire!&#8221; but only once. They threw her up on my chest and I couldn't believe that I had just had a baby. She was born at 12:03 AM, just 7 hours after my water broke. I was on top of the world after that. I was shaking like crazy but I didn't care. It was also a good thing that the epidural was in place as they were able to set it so they could sew me up as I had torn pretty badly. During that time she was cleaned up and weighed and then Daddy held her. When they finished me up I was able to nurse her for the first time and she took to it right away. Looking back, the whole thing was such an amazing experience! I'm so grateful!</p>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-58695973495623676802013-11-18T12:51:00.001-05:002013-11-18T12:51:39.861-05:00A Few Things I've Made<p dir=ltr>Baby stuff is expensive so rather than pay $10th for car seat strap covers that I didn't even like, I decided to make some! I found an easy <a href="http:// http://sewtlc.blogspot.com/2013/09/car-seat-strap-covers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+SewingTheLittleheartCollection+(Sewing+The+Littleheart+Collection)&m=1">tutorial</a> and had all the supplies on hand. After making the first set I decided to make some more for my friend's babies. I used stuffing instead of batting and it worked just fine.</p><p dir=ltr>Speaking of babies, I also threw 2 baby showers and had one thrown for me. The one given for me had a book theme and my awesome friend made the paper wreath as part of the decor. I loved it so much I took it home! I also had burlap that was used as table runners left over from one of the showers so I used that to make some more wreaths to go along. Now when I see them on my walls I think of both my closest friends!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GbRyOlaMs_s/UopS8ufwzgI/AAAAAAAADP4/w4q01iH_jeY/s1600/CAM00350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GbRyOlaMs_s/UopS8ufwzgI/AAAAAAAADP4/w4q01iH_jeY/s640/CAM00350.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uaQ_DHcdzJs/UopTp8OwDYI/AAAAAAAADQA/6cg5VZ0hMM0/s1600/CAM00359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uaQ_DHcdzJs/UopTp8OwDYI/AAAAAAAADQA/6cg5VZ0hMM0/s640/CAM00359.jpg"> </a> </div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-68743790795133282462013-11-18T12:50:00.001-05:002013-11-18T12:50:51.944-05:00Postpartum Style<p dir="ltr">I'm trying the Blogger app on my phone for the first time as well as "typing" this post using Swipe. We'll see if I can handle it. If so, I may be back in the blogging game. My husband is using my laptop currently and it needs to be replaced anyways. I got my first smart phone a few months ago and I know I'm not using it to its full potential. Basically I use it to text, browse Facebook and play Solitaire, so here goes.</p><p dir="ltr">I had very little interest in style posts for a while due to having few clothes that actually fit for a few months, but Baby Belly (not sure if this is going to be her new nickname but we'll use it for now) is 5 weeks and things are getting back on track. I will be posting all about her and her birth soon. Meanwhile, I still have 10 lbs to go to get back to pre pregnancy weight so style is still a challenge. This is an outfit that I put together via Pinterest for a lunch with family and then driving to a meeting. Until further notice, all outfits will be nursing friendly.</p><p dir="ltr">You can see the outfit inspiration here: http://www.polyvore.com/summer_casual/set?.svc=copypaste&amp;embedder=0&amp;id=39603924#cs</p><p dir="ltr">Hopefully I can figure out the finest points of phone posting soon!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iVaRQ8peerY/UopLyoPdogI/AAAAAAAADPo/xoDPgcsTniU/s1600/CAM00476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iVaRQ8peerY/UopLyoPdogI/AAAAAAAADPo/xoDPgcsTniU/s640/CAM00476.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Denim shirt, skirt: modified, sweater: Vanity, belt: Rue 21, shoes: Payless&nbsp;</div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-79578735763325565662013-07-27T10:21:00.000-04:002013-07-27T10:21:00.401-04:00Style: All Neutrals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/736x/38/6a/69/386a69175220c82948d7598fc23c2ca2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak2.pinimg.com/736x/38/6a/69/386a69175220c82948d7598fc23c2ca2.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>I came across this inspiration photo on Pinterest and knew it would be pretty easy to replicate. It wasn't until that I got a new camel colored necklace and shoes though that I decided to try it, with some modifications for summer and pregnancy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6mDoMXds1U/UfKFLkYjq2I/AAAAAAAADPM/TUD9qgcbfoA/s1600/100_8110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6mDoMXds1U/UfKFLkYjq2I/AAAAAAAADPM/TUD9qgcbfoA/s320/100_8110.JPG" width="143" /></a></div>Tee - JC Penny<br />Vest: - Wal-mart<br />Gaucho's - Wal-mart<br />Shoes - Payless<br />Necklace/Earrings - Flea Market ($1!)<br /><br />I can totally see myself wearing versions of this again and again when we travel as these are all great pieces that I can use with other outfits!<br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-57978555541087145772013-07-26T09:46:00.000-04:002013-07-26T09:46:09.315-04:00Date Night!Because we have traveled sooo much in the last several months, the last time we went out without our daughter was in April. And that wasn't actually a date because we were out with a group of missionaries and pastors. So a real date night? Just the two of us? I honestly can't tell you the last time that had happened. Recently, we were staying in a missions house in the U. P. for about 5 days and the pastor of the church we were out offered to have his daughters watch ours so we could go out. My first thought was, "And do what?" I hadn't seen much of the town we were in but I knew it was pretty small. Never-the-less, we decided to take him up on it. We ended up having a really nice time. First we went to the Three Seasons Cafe. The hubs got "Broasted" chicken which was really good and that we later found out was a middle eastern thing. Go figure. I got a cheese steak sandwich. Told ya I liked 'em!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amt5roSBExg/UfJ4JlccfEI/AAAAAAAADOk/w4Q_pDsfgtk/s1600/100_8136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amt5roSBExg/UfJ4JlccfEI/AAAAAAAADOk/w4Q_pDsfgtk/s320/100_8136.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that we drove over to a little stretch of Lake Michigan beach that also sported a lighthouse that you could walk out to. At this point I was glad that we were solo as I would not have enjoyed walking out there for fear that my daughter would fall off the edge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CssC69A8Vo/UfJ4J2U0vKI/AAAAAAAADOo/h6v7jVlOw-A/s1600/100_8140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CssC69A8Vo/UfJ4J2U0vKI/AAAAAAAADOo/h6v7jVlOw-A/s320/100_8140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather was beautiful, if a bit cool for July, so I was wearing the $2.15 Old Navy shirt that I had gotten from Goodwill the week before. Every Goodwill should have a daily half price color! But I digress. Although the lighthouse looks really far away, it actually wasn't that far so we walked all the way out to it. The wall was lined with rocks on either side and turned at a right angle to help make a marina.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsgnBtDIXUY/UfJ4MkMVA7I/AAAAAAAADO4/nntgpEhfMYs/s1600/100_8150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsgnBtDIXUY/UfJ4MkMVA7I/AAAAAAAADO4/nntgpEhfMYs/s320/100_8150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was neat because occasionally the waves would be a little bigger and would make a big splash against the rocks sending up a really pretty spray. Not enough to give us more than a mist if we stayed on the far side. My husband had a good time trying to predict when a big wave would come. I tried to be artsy with the camera. I don't think I will ever be that good at photography but I did think this one was pretty cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_TXPLG28OQ/UfJ4MuyhrFI/AAAAAAAADO8/y-MJH9zIZHw/s1600/100_8144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_TXPLG28OQ/UfJ4MuyhrFI/AAAAAAAADO8/y-MJH9zIZHw/s320/100_8144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our walk we went to the nicest grocery store in town and picked out some dessert. We started doing this after we got married when we realized that we could get just as nice of a dessert from the Publix bakery for half the price of the restaurant dessert which we were never hungry for just after dinner anyways. Then we took it home and shared it with our daughter while we all watched a movie. I'm glad we were able to go out alone as I don't see us getting in more than one or two more dates before our next baby comes. Do you date your spouse? Do you think date nights are important?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-20981634814183134802013-07-25T10:00:00.000-04:002013-07-25T10:00:00.566-04:00KitchitikipiOne of the perks of deputation is getting to see things that you would probably NEVER otherwise see. For me, the Upper Penninsula of Michigan is one of those places. I have to tell you, I am truly glad that we are here in July though. The weather has been pretty cool. The high today was 64. In July. The hottest time of the year. But, third trimester me doesn't mind so much right now! Not sure I would be up to coming here if it was much cooler though. There is not much to do around here, but there are some beautiful sights. One that we decided to check out was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&amp;id=425" target="_blank">Kitchitikipi at Palms Book State Park</a>. It is a natural spring that connects with Indian Lake. I have always wanted to see a natural spring so we decided to pay the $8.50.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QauESFYUVe0/Ue78woKRnhI/AAAAAAAADNE/ZTjFzNepbZo/s1600/100_8115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QauESFYUVe0/Ue78woKRnhI/AAAAAAAADNE/ZTjFzNepbZo/s320/100_8115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The park itself was just beautiful, if a bit small. The real attraction was a boat that you could take out over the water for a better view. It was attached to a pulley system that took it in a straight line over the spring. You could make it move by turning a large wheel. We had about 30 people on it with us and did not have to even worry about making it move.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OzYL8A1FXIQ/Ue8tKWiaLOI/AAAAAAAADN0/h0QHVKTDtCQ/s1600/100_8126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OzYL8A1FXIQ/Ue8tKWiaLOI/AAAAAAAADN0/h0QHVKTDtCQ/s320/100_8126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our daughter loved looking down into the water from Mommy and Daddy's arms. She kept saying "fish" and "boat" very excitedly!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKY6LurxW3c/Ue78y8KqwII/AAAAAAAADNM/EC7KgcZTplE/s1600/100_8119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKY6LurxW3c/Ue78y8KqwII/AAAAAAAADNM/EC7KgcZTplE/s320/100_8119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX_2C3SgAB0/Ue79f4pJVZI/AAAAAAAADNc/f_SnCDXKJ_g/s1600/100_8123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX_2C3SgAB0/Ue79f4pJVZI/AAAAAAAADNc/f_SnCDXKJ_g/s320/100_8123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I was told that the water was about 45 feet deep but you could see all the way to the bottom the entire way. There was a cut-out in the middle of the boat so you could look straight down. One side had a railing and one had plexi-glass, but even with Mommy by her side, our daughter still wasn't too sure about it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdHg4_xhRzo/Ue79Pbe-O-I/AAAAAAAADNU/p_1gZjQRLmw/s1600/100_8124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdHg4_xhRzo/Ue79Pbe-O-I/AAAAAAAADNU/p_1gZjQRLmw/s320/100_8124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n49kzD095Ys/Ue_OTiwbasI/AAAAAAAADOE/9xXMF9HZkBI/s1600/100_8120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n49kzD095Ys/Ue_OTiwbasI/AAAAAAAADOE/9xXMF9HZkBI/s320/100_8120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Funny story: I stepped out of the house that morning and thought, wow, it's a bit chilly. I should grab jackets. Then I thought, nah! That's silly. It's July! When we got there we were the only ones without them! If you ever find yourself near Manistique, MI, you should check this place out! Just bring your sweater!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IymwQD6-sj0/Ue79hv8KdzI/AAAAAAAADNk/Etj2F16l_eQ/s1600/100_8126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-63441071139056638812013-07-24T10:00:00.000-04:002013-07-24T10:00:00.391-04:00Philly Cheesesteak CroisantsEver send your husband to the grocery store and have him come back with things totally not on the list? Eh, at least he did the shopping, right!? Well that's how I ended up with this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6WVax8vSIw/Ue6Mlgs-xVI/AAAAAAAADMo/otdDUeyf9wI/s1600/CAM00203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6WVax8vSIw/Ue6Mlgs-xVI/AAAAAAAADMo/otdDUeyf9wI/s320/CAM00203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A pack of frozen cheesesteaks. We had real Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia for our anniversary 2 years ago and I have loved them ever since. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p5nFuhbt38/Ue2AZIYqMPI/AAAAAAAADKM/4zArpRDp50Q/s1600/100_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9p5nFuhbt38/Ue2AZIYqMPI/AAAAAAAADKM/4zArpRDp50Q/s320/100_0410.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;Apparently, a "real" one has cheese wiz on it. I tried it and didn't think it was that bad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzdpcxN2OKc/Ue2AfFAHA2I/AAAAAAAADKY/mNlpaK15RL0/s1600/100_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzdpcxN2OKc/Ue2AfFAHA2I/AAAAAAAADKY/mNlpaK15RL0/s320/100_0409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This version calls for all real cheeses however. I had pinned it pretty recently, so it was the first thing that came to mind when my husband brought his prize find home!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/35/3a/42/353a4255c96ae4adf05d1515b981e9a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/35/3a/42/353a4255c96ae4adf05d1515b981e9a7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find the original recipe&nbsp;<a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2012/12/cheesesteak-crescent-rolls.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I did make a few modifications and would make a few more. I started by cooking up some onions. Mushrooms and peppers would be good too, but peppers we all I had on hand. Next, I started on the meat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpkUgLWzTsk/Ue6MkhDwX1I/AAAAAAAADMc/7i8hui5JVZI/s1600/CAM00202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpkUgLWzTsk/Ue6MkhDwX1I/AAAAAAAADMc/7i8hui5JVZI/s320/CAM00202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Fb9VTUhDeY/Ue6Mk1khaoI/AAAAAAAADMY/IbEBcVgB7f8/s1600/CAM00201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Fb9VTUhDeY/Ue6Mk1khaoI/AAAAAAAADMY/IbEBcVgB7f8/s320/CAM00201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The package suggested that I break the meat up and microwave it but when I tried that it didn't work very well, so I just threw in into the pan with the onions and it cooked up great! Next I added the broth and cream cheese. I would not use as much cream cheese next time as it was a tad overpowering. And that is coming from someone that loves cheese! Next I rolled out my crescent dough and put some shredded mozzarella on each one. I prefer mozzarella to Swiss. I then crammed as much filling as I could into each one, but after cutting the recipe in half I still had more than would fit in 1 can of jumbo crescent rolls. NBD, I just ate the rest of the filling! I justify those kinds of things at this stage of pregnancy. Then I baked them at the magic 350 until they looked like this (about 14-15 minutes).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwxnOEGIMtg/Ue6MtIICFFI/AAAAAAAADMs/tJF_50ZqSEM/s1600/CAM00204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwxnOEGIMtg/Ue6MtIICFFI/AAAAAAAADMs/tJF_50ZqSEM/s320/CAM00204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For once, a new recipe that my husband loved! We had no problem finishing these off in 2 meals. He can be a tough critic so this one is a keeper for sure!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-82246536159657519162013-07-23T10:00:00.000-04:002013-07-23T10:00:00.403-04:004th of July - 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year the 4th of July again saw us traveling. Honestly, being away from family and friends on special occasions is one of the hardest parts of deputation for me. But, we always try to make the best of it and we usually do. I decided to try something crazy for packing this time and for our two week trip I packed the three of us entirely in clothes that were red, white, blue or gray. Don't worry, not every outfit was patriotic for the whole two weeks! I ended up wearing mostly blue. July 3rd was a Wednesday so I dressed my daughter up in the outfit below and thought she was absolutely precious! (I can say that even though I'm her mother, right?) We even had matching hair flowers. She didn't end up wearing the play necklaces to our meeting but she enjoyed playing with them.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhBIMnO9OAc/Ue2OE_1WsXI/AAAAAAAADLs/kO0yB-xQxf0/s1600/100_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhBIMnO9OAc/Ue2OE_1WsXI/AAAAAAAADLs/kO0yB-xQxf0/s320/100_8101.JPG" width="218" /></a></div>The next day, the 4th, we had about a two hour drive to our next destination. We stopped at a McDonald's for lunch and Dida very much enjoyed her .50 cent "I-seam" cone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQCWsAb3qTs/Ue2Odn13TAI/AAAAAAAADMI/5iNZC8fRsQA/s1600/IMAG0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQCWsAb3qTs/Ue2Odn13TAI/AAAAAAAADMI/5iNZC8fRsQA/s320/IMAG0478.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We then had a few hours to settle in to our next place and shop for groceries before we headed out to a local golf and ski resort to partake in some festivities and watch the fireworks. We only knew to go there because the pastor of the church we were at also happened to work there and her gave us the tip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8B7OZh7fmdg/Ue2OJAZe4qI/AAAAAAAADL0/miO1i99ku5Q/s1600/100_8104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8B7OZh7fmdg/Ue2OJAZe4qI/AAAAAAAADL0/miO1i99ku5Q/s320/100_8104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;I was so thankful that we had purchased a shower curtain to sit on because about an hour before the fireworks there was a big rain storm so the ground was pretty wet. Instead of feeling silly for having a shower curtain instead of a blanket, I was feeling pretty smart! Dida also enjoyed the bounce house and being in grass where she didn't have to worry about being bitten by ants!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyPNplRXA2g/Ue2OWxhlWnI/AAAAAAAADL8/WbjxonQDAwA/s1600/100_8105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyPNplRXA2g/Ue2OWxhlWnI/AAAAAAAADL8/WbjxonQDAwA/s320/100_8105.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Sadly, we found out the hard way that our daughter is NOT ready for fireworks. This was the first time we had taken her and we really weren't sure what she would do. About 3 explosions in, she was done! Daddy had to come to the rescue and take her inside, where, he later told me she kept pointing as far away from the fireworks as she could get and saying "No wan-ne!" (meaning I don't want . . .) I'm still not sure she has forgiven us as she now clings to me every time she hears a lawn mower or motorcycle! We'll try again in a few years I guess!<br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-68677486145686077802013-07-22T15:50:00.000-04:002013-07-22T15:50:20.629-04:00Third Baby ShowerSo, I decided to throw my best friend a third baby shower. I'm not really sure if that's something you do, but who cares? I'm at a point in my life where I feel like celebrating as much as I can, while I can. Although we are still not 100%, it does look like my family is going to make our goal of finishing deputation at the end of March 2014, which means we will be moving to Costa Rica in April! But that story is for another day. The only relevance here is that it is making me take the time I have with my loved ones more seriously. <br /><br />A little back story on the Mommy-to-be (hopefully any day now as she is already over-due): she and her family are also missionaries on deputation.When their first daughter was born they were living in a a very small (one room, one bathroom) place with no storage, so as her daughter outgrew things she had to get rid of them as there was no where to keep them. Then, we both got pregnant, her with her second, a son and me with my first, a daughter. She started giving me the hand me downs (some of which I have been able to to return to her) and our families moved in to either side of a duplex our church owns, just in time for our babies to be born. This gave her a lot more space, but sadly it was too late to hang on to any baby clothes under size 9 months (which is when she started giving them to me). So, here comes round 3 for her and it's another baby girl with nothing to wear! I just couldn't let that happen, and neither could her other friends, so I threw a baby shower asking solely for cute new outfits. Here is what I did for the shower:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LErgp_26UyU/Ue2FayncULI/AAAAAAAADKk/QdYnhnJlyNw/s1600/100_8086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LErgp_26UyU/Ue2FayncULI/AAAAAAAADKk/QdYnhnJlyNw/s320/100_8086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I kept the food simple. The menu included perminto cheese and (store bought) chicken salad on Hawaiian rolls, carrots and cucumbers with (store bought) ranch dip, strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla waifers with&nbsp;<a href="http://lilouwyn.blogspot.com/2012/09/dessert-dip.html" target="_blank">Dessert Dip</a>, chilled dill pickles, cheese cubes and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.isavea2z.com/icecreamsandwichcakerecipe/" target="_blank">Ice Cream Sandwhich Cake</a>. To drink, there was lemonade punch and coffee punch, with extra whipped cream from the cake for topping.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ti5fECGI2c/Ue2GH8zS9gI/AAAAAAAADK0/GuAf00UBP9g/s1600/100_8064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ti5fECGI2c/Ue2GH8zS9gI/AAAAAAAADK0/GuAf00UBP9g/s320/100_8064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For games, as an ice breaker I gave everyone a few diapers and a marker to make&nbsp;<a href="http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2012/08/four-fabulous-baby-shower-games.html" target="_blank">Late Night Diapers</a>, and I also had them fill out their address on a envelope for a thank you card. For another game I came up with questions to ask the Dad and filmed him answering them before hand, then at the party I had the Mom answer the questions and then played back his answers. We also had a sock sorting competition with the new socks going to the Mom and the grand champ winning a prize!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew52sFDcovs/Ue2GFI7fUEI/AAAAAAAADKs/3FF84GY8MWY/s1600/100_8065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ew52sFDcovs/Ue2GFI7fUEI/AAAAAAAADKs/3FF84GY8MWY/s320/100_8065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Some of the guests and all of the children!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lhwpcxoEfY/Ue2GaZJ_NPI/AAAAAAAADK8/ogwewX_jm1Q/s1600/100_8068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lhwpcxoEfY/Ue2GaZJ_NPI/AAAAAAAADK8/ogwewX_jm1Q/s320/100_8068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Games and favors table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrSGckYG_dw/Ue2HYINEG8I/AAAAAAAADLc/QslCU-PMmtU/s1600/100_8083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrSGckYG_dw/Ue2HYINEG8I/AAAAAAAADLc/QslCU-PMmtU/s320/100_8083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Mommy opening her new outfits!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XYtnYbE3fY/Ue2GuddP5cI/AAAAAAAADLI/vMDSgR39Y74/s1600/100_8081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XYtnYbE3fY/Ue2GuddP5cI/AAAAAAAADLI/vMDSgR39Y74/s320/100_8081.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the Mom was opening her gifts I gave everyone a "binkie" and the first one to finish it won a prize.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlSxsG-oJSw/Ue2HUfbUVxI/AAAAAAAADLU/MW_kmGFkTo4/s1600/100_8095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlSxsG-oJSw/Ue2HUfbUVxI/AAAAAAAADLU/MW_kmGFkTo4/s320/100_8095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Me and my two best friends, all pregnant at once!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl0xnxPWA5w/Ue2HG1jWMUI/AAAAAAAADLM/9ZjGSTvPcKA/s1600/100_8097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl0xnxPWA5w/Ue2HG1jWMUI/AAAAAAAADLM/9ZjGSTvPcKA/s320/100_8097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Favors! I ended up with several of the extras but didn't mind!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the Mom to be enjoyed it as well as all who came so I consider that a success! In another month and a half I get to co-host a boy baby shower for the girl on the left in the above picture and I'm totally looking forward to it!</div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-16351642169530541782013-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:002013-07-03T10:00:06.885-04:00More Maternity Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm at the point in my pregnancy where I don't mind taking outfit pictures again, so here are a few more! We have been traveling a lot recently and then when we were home we had camp meeting at church, I put on a baby shower for a friend and I had a lot of house projects to catch up on. I haven't been doing a lot of cooking or crafting but I hope to have some time to again once I stop traveling before baby girl #2 comes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4u0Rpb7PU04/UdM20JHS3zI/AAAAAAAADI0/I-Urrl-fBMM/s1600/100_8100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4u0Rpb7PU04/UdM20JHS3zI/AAAAAAAADI0/I-Urrl-fBMM/s320/100_8100.JPG" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wore this for lunch with a friend and dinner with my family. It was sooo cool and comfortable!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dress: Wal-mart (wish I had gotten more than one!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace: Gift</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Belt: Charlotte Russe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRE1MeTAaE0/UdM2z3RFpKI/AAAAAAAADIw/4Rq2yIX8EMA/s1600/CAM00077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRE1MeTAaE0/UdM2z3RFpKI/AAAAAAAADIw/4Rq2yIX8EMA/s320/CAM00077.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>I put on this baby doll top one more time before putting it away. I loved it with my cobalt maternity skirt and bubble necklace. Leopard shoes seemed more interesting than black. Also, my sweet daughter has to be in on every outfit picture. I usually crop her out but she just looked too sweet (and was too close) in this one!<br />Top: Kohl's<br />Skirt: Target (maternity)<br />Necklace: Beall's Outlet<br />Shoes: Payless<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWwW4pUcpVY/UdMsp-D8r1I/AAAAAAAADIM/owlyI-vMLfk/s1600/100_8041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWwW4pUcpVY/UdMsp-D8r1I/AAAAAAAADIM/owlyI-vMLfk/s320/100_8041.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>I got this shirt for $4 because it was long sleeve. It looked really stupid with long sleeves they were sewn on right where mine stop) and I wanted it short sleeved anyways, so it was an easy fix! I just cut them off a few inches below where I wanted the new length to be and then cuffed them twice and tacked the cuffs down. I have loved wearing it and will continue to wear it when not pregnant as well.<br />Shirt - Old Navy (altered)<br />Skirt - Target (maternity)<br />Shoes - Kohl'sMichelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-60124479305385970752013-07-02T16:21:00.003-04:002013-07-02T16:21:46.571-04:00Style: Using Inspiration Photos when PregnantI have a Pinterest board full of outfit inspiration photos that I am just waiting to try, but that is a bit of a challenge when I'm pregnant! It seems like every other day I try something on and "Oh look! Here's another one for the closet shelf that I won't be wearing again until November!" I know I'm lucky that I do have a lot that still fits though. I know some women have to buy a whole maternity wardrobe while I am able to make a lot of what I already have work for a while. So, to make it more fun, the last time we were home I tried to make outfits with as many of my inspiration photos as possible. Here are the results:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Odgl_SDyNzU/UdMsv1kWxTI/AAAAAAAADIY/Qdh6xCujVx8/s1600/CAM00068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Odgl_SDyNzU/UdMsv1kWxTI/AAAAAAAADIY/Qdh6xCujVx8/s320/CAM00068.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrMwdmlXIkY/UdMsqvLGz9I/AAAAAAAADIU/PiYZuLsKo40/s1600/CAM00146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrMwdmlXIkY/UdMsqvLGz9I/AAAAAAAADIU/PiYZuLsKo40/s320/CAM00146.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took this inspiration photo in the window of Franchesca's. I loved the pastel colors with the cream and camel brown. For my version I paired a lavender maternity top with a blush pink cami and necklace. Sadly, my camel brown belt no longer fits so I went with the gold from the buckle instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tee - Target (maternity)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tank - Aeropostale</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - Vanity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace - Charlotte Russe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Belt - Forever 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoes - Payless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/236x/24/1f/6a/241f6a3e7bddacc2e3992999f8633d70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/236x/24/1f/6a/241f6a3e7bddacc2e3992999f8633d70.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVVJnxgBRU/UdMsqMlNiPI/AAAAAAAADIQ/A9H2B1FvFCY/s1600/CAM00144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVVJnxgBRU/UdMsqMlNiPI/AAAAAAAADIQ/A9H2B1FvFCY/s320/CAM00144.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had this one on deck for quite some time and you may see the color pairing again in the future. I was going to visit my grandparents at the nursing home (where my grandpa has the heat on in summer) so I wanted to keep things as cool as possible and thus went with a tank that did not need layering and earrings in turquoise instead of a necklace. I also have a bracelet on in that color which is hard to see in the pic but that ties it all together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tank: JC Penny</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earrings - Flea market</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bracelet/ Flip Flops - Payless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/236x/43/de/2c/43de2cdd2abc1c75d12f09af7d612621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/236x/43/de/2c/43de2cdd2abc1c75d12f09af7d612621.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EAe9Wm1WGY/UdMsp4bqBrI/AAAAAAAADH8/y8jHuWX96NQ/s1600/CAM00143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EAe9Wm1WGY/UdMsp4bqBrI/AAAAAAAADH8/y8jHuWX96NQ/s320/CAM00143.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I originally pinned this after I bought a navy dress, but I liked the colors together so much that I decided to wear this version for church, but you may see this color pairing again as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tee - Kohl's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - altered</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace - Beall's Outlet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Belt - Vanity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoes - Payless&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/75/0f/fc/750ffc30306277458880fa5a35608475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/75/0f/fc/750ffc30306277458880fa5a35608475.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OT00FEVSKo/UdMspUKQNlI/AAAAAAAADHw/u2QwBcjuqVk/s1600/CAM00081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OT00FEVSKo/UdMspUKQNlI/AAAAAAAADHw/u2QwBcjuqVk/s320/CAM00081.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got a compliment from a teenager working behind the Chick-fil-A counter on this outfit. It is quite possible that she was only being nice so I don't really flatter myself but it took me by surprise! I really love the chambray shirt trend and you will definitely be seeing more outfits with them from me in the future. I didn't go so much with the colors on this one, as the concept: denim shirt, floral skirt, big necklace in complementing colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shirt: Altered</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - Old Navy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace - Gift</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Belt - Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoes - Payless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/64/cd/5b/64cd5b4e48e7ed956adcb3dff4989fd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/64/cd/5b/64cd5b4e48e7ed956adcb3dff4989fd4.jpg" width="218" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1zzIcKlc3c/UdMspv_WxMI/AAAAAAAADH4/VUjT6SOu_Eg/s1600/100_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1zzIcKlc3c/UdMspv_WxMI/AAAAAAAADH4/VUjT6SOu_Eg/s320/100_8098.JPG" width="108" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't actually plan this one after the picture but it must have been in the back of my mind somewhere. I will be doing this one again with yellow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shirt - Wal-mart</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tank - Kohl's (maternity)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - Target (maternity)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace - Gift</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Belt - Body Central</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoes - Rack Room Shoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-523mG1bkHI8/UdMsv2Ye45I/AAAAAAAADIk/RrambDktc1E/s1600/CAM00087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-88575841993939866912013-06-04T16:53:00.000-04:002013-06-04T16:53:08.151-04:00Go Chic or Go Home - Your Virtual Closet!Recently I found Audry of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/" target="_blank">Putting Me Together</a> on Pinterest and have really enjoyed following her blog. The first set of posts I read was her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/p/building-remixable-wardrobe-series.html" target="_blank">Building a Remixable Wardrobe</a> series and I really enjoyed how she put everything in simple terms and basic rules. I especially enjoyed the post about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2012/03/building-remixable-wardrobe-part-4.html" target="_blank">Layering Pieces</a> or "completer pieces" as she called them because I have realized lately that those are what can really take an outfit to the next level.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1dZ7zJDTk/T2LvWWPBtyI/AAAAAAAAC9c/qE5CI2vpjKk/s1600/cardigans-dresses01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1dZ7zJDTk/T2LvWWPBtyI/AAAAAAAAC9c/qE5CI2vpjKk/s320/cardigans-dresses01.png" width="303" /></a></div>&nbsp;But this post isn't about her, awesome as she is! It's about another website that she introduced her readers to: <a href="http://gochicorgohome.com/" target="_blank">Go Chic or Go Home</a>. I haven't had a ton of time to play around with it yet but there is one feature that I am truly excited about: the virtual closet feature! I have been wanting to have a digitized version of my closet for quite some time that I could use to keep me more organized. I knew that if I just took photos of my clothes and kept them on my computer that I would have to do a lot of work to really use them in the way I wanted to. GCOGH does the organizing for me. You start by taking photos of your clothes and then and then uploading them to the site. Then you label each piece by type and color and the site organizes them and you can drag and drop them to create outfits. You can save those outfits and access them/change them at any time. I plan to use this as a resource for trip planning as well as outfits that I want to feature on the blog. On the website you can also view outfits and clothes from other users and share/glean ideas with each other. There is also a section where you can get coupon codes for stores that you like. Here is an outfit I built and then wore recently to take my daughter to play at the mall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYBqM9tOT_I/Ua5RlznWD3I/AAAAAAAADHU/xWDRUsuGzm8/s1600/100_8037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYBqM9tOT_I/Ua5RlznWD3I/AAAAAAAADHU/xWDRUsuGzm8/s320/100_8037.JPG" width="156" /></a></div>T-shirt - Ross (maternity)<br />Gauchos - Wal-Mart<br />Shoes - Kohl's<br />Scarf - Wal-Mart<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.pdxcdn.com/sites/all/themes/gcogh/badges/gcoghgrey200x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.pdxcdn.com/sites/all/themes/gcogh/badges/gcoghgrey200x200.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gochicorgohome.com/explore" target="_blank">Click here</a> to request an invitation to join the site!</div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-662377283030358462013-06-01T09:57:00.003-04:002013-06-01T09:57:43.462-04:00Fearless - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fB6qHmNCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fB6qHmNCL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>Here is another&nbsp;<a href="http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/" target="_blank">Blogging For Books</a> review. For this round I decided to pick something entirely different for me. I really like to read books about things that I don't know anything about. I love learning about new subjects and the lives of Navy Seals is certainly ground that I've never covered!<br /><br />Overview: This book tells the amazing life story of a man named Adam Brown who battled more than just the Taliban. In the midst of it all he found Christ and that is what saw him through. Adam grew up in Arkansas and wanted to do nothing but play for his older brother's high school football team. He wasn't a star but he did his best. He also was just an all around good kid, until after high school that is. After graduation he fell into the wrong crowd and ended up a drug addict, putting his family and friends in danger and ultimately himself in jail. After serving his time he went through several attempts at rehab but always failed, until he met his future wife. After meeting her he still had slip ups with the drugs but he had finally turned a corner. Through a series of small miracles he actually was able to enter the Navy on the tract to become a Seal and was able to put drugs behind him for good. The rest of the book follows Adam through his amazing accomplishments as a Navy Seal despite numerous injuries that would have sidelined other men, and an account of the battle in which he ultimately gave his life for his country.<br /><br />Pros: I learned a lot about the military that I was not aware of by reading this book. I also got a different perspective of the lives of military wives and children and gained an even greater respect for them. And, not that I ever doubted it, but reading accounts from the "War on Terror" strengthened my conviction on the necessity of it. Also, this book is a real testament to what someone with a real faith in God can be capable of, and of God's grace to see them through.<br /><br />Cons: Adam's life was not pretty. This is not a book for children. Adam's family wanted his story to be told without reserve in hopes that it could help others. That being said it covers alcohol, heavy drug use, profanity (in some of his correspondence), and violence on and off the battlefield.<br /><br />Conclusion: I enjoyed reading this and I would recommend that every American Christian read this book or one like it. Our Military deserves to be revered and respected for what they do for our country and we need to be remember why they must do it.<br /><br />You can find out more about "Fearless"&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Undaunted-Ultimate-Sacrifice-Operator/dp/0307730700/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1370093634&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=fearless" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-11275808389363188102013-05-29T10:59:00.000-04:002013-05-29T10:59:50.199-04:00Kohl's ConvertIf you had asked me a few months ago if I liked or shopped at <a href="http://www.kohls.com/" target="_blank">Kohl's</a> I would have said, "Not really". Every time I had been in there in the last few years I couldn't find any good deals. Everything seemed so expensive! I had bought a few things there in the past but it was not on my top list of stores! Then I was sweetly given an amazing amount of gift cards for Kohl's. A church had a "Christmas" for us and a lot of what we were given was gift cards. I kept laughing as I opened yet another Kohl's gift card. I thought, "I guess I'll have to learn to like Kohl's!" Well, the first thing I did was sign up for the store e-mails. They sent me a $5 off coupon just for signing up! That got me started on the right foot with them. Then, as I started to watch the e-mails I noticed that there were cycles in which you could earn "Kohl's Cash". You could get $10 for every $50 you spend. Armed with my $5 coupon and my gift cards I decided to give it a try. My plan was to get as close to spending $105.00 as possible. I had a long list of things to look for (baby shower gifts, 4-5T clothes for my daughter, some Maternity basics, shoes, etc.) so it wasn't much of a problem. The good news was, however, that everything was on some kind of sale as well! Nothing I picked up was over $10, except a pair of shoes that I fell in love with and those were a whopping $15. Before I could get the to register though I was approached with yet another deal. Did I want to open a Kohl's charge card and save another 20% on everything? I explained that I planned to pay with gift cards and although I didn't mind applying, could I still use my gift cards with the 20% off today? She said that would be fine and started getting my information while I set about figuring out how to spend my extra $20 (20% off of my planned $100). I literally felt like one of those extreme couponers! When I got to the register I had done my math the best I could and just hoped everything would work out. I used the $5 off coupon for a couple of small things and paid about $1. Then I piled everything else on and watched my tally go up. My total after coupons and discounts? $101.00! And I walked away with $20 Kohl's cash to come back and spend the next week! Here's a few of the things I got:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7v7_fg1mo-w/UaYWVk5K_YI/AAAAAAAADHE/i71GNoxgnhY/s1600/100_7959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7v7_fg1mo-w/UaYWVk5K_YI/AAAAAAAADHE/i71GNoxgnhY/s400/100_7959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Everything on the bed is from Kohl's (not all the same trip) except the pink dresses on the bottom left and right corners (which are form Target)</span></div>I was super excited to get some matching things for my two girls! Some of those clothes cost as little as $2.40! I also got 3 t shirts and 3 maternity undershirts for myself as well as those adorable new sandals, a pair of earings and a few gifts! Something else great? You can also use your Kohl's cash with other coupons and someone told me that they will even take expired Kohl's cash (although I'm a little afraid to try it). I guess you could say I'm a Kohl's fan now!Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-12708792897786576822013-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:002013-05-24T10:00:16.689-04:00Style - 21 weeksThanks to cooler weather still here in PA, I got to enjoy my Mother's Day present from my mom (like she needed to get me anything, but we're gift givers in my family), a really pretty new scarf!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrIzL-2UAdQ/UZ5zDg48XvI/AAAAAAAADGo/bzCKqS1ANcY/s1600/100_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrIzL-2UAdQ/UZ5zDg48XvI/AAAAAAAADGo/bzCKqS1ANcY/s320/100_7954.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I've also been able to add a few more maternity basics to my wardrobe lately (thanks to some gift cards) and that has been nice!<br /><br />Scarf - K-mart<br />Top- Target (maternity)<br />Tank - thrifted<br />Skirt - Christopher and Banks<br />Sandals - Payless<br />Watch - Target<br />Earrings (that are really cool which you probably can't see!) - Kohl's<br /><br />Do you wear scarves year round?Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-24243108166068429892013-05-23T15:47:00.001-04:002013-05-23T15:47:33.502-04:00WorryAbout a month ago, a crisis that had been building in my life finally came to a head. It had been building and growing for about 6 months and I thought I was dealing with it, but I wasn't, at least not the way God wanted me to. I was not truly giving it to Him. If you had asked me a few weeks before if I was a "worrier" I would have said "No! Worry is a sin!", and I truly believed that. It took a set of extenuating circumstances for God to bring out the truth to me.<br />Since my daughter turned a year, she really just stopped being interested in food. We stopped nursing at 13 months and she had started walking a week before her 1st birthday. She was so interested in her new abilities that it got to the point where she just stopped putting on weight. She just kept getting taller and skinnier. All around me were chubby babies with rolls of baby fat that seemed to love to eat and I had a 14 month old that had already lost all of her baby weight! To make things worse, every meal was such a struggle. We never knew what she wanted because it seemed to change on a daily basis. And what she did seem to like best usually had very little calories. It got so bad that our pediatrician sent us to see a nutritionist after her 15 month appointment. The nutritionist examined her and although she was in the bottom 1% for weight for children her age, she had a ton of energy and was still slowly growing taller so she did not diagnose her as "failure to thrive".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65rwuZi5uF8/UZOkPq8Wg0I/AAAAAAAADGI/91GfvteNpxs/s1600/100_6685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65rwuZi5uF8/UZOkPq8Wg0I/AAAAAAAADGI/91GfvteNpxs/s320/100_6685.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si_VI63izVs/UZOji9db5bI/AAAAAAAADGA/8S8BvMmLtXk/s1600/100_7477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si_VI63izVs/UZOji9db5bI/AAAAAAAADGA/8S8BvMmLtXk/s320/100_7477.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is her at her birthday and then about 4 months later</span></div>After that we felt like terrible parents and we followed her advice the best we could. I struggled, especially while traveling, because it was so hard to get the things I needed for her. I could never count on a fridge or access to things she liked and that were good for her. I realized later that I was angry with God for putting me in this situation. Things seemed to be a little better when we were at home and that is where I wanted to be.<br /><br />But that is not where God had called me to be.<br /><br />Things got better and then they got worse and then better and then worse again. It seemed to go in cycles a bit. We eventually got more used to the way things were (though her not eating continued to gnaw at me) and learned a few "tricks" that kept us from losing our minds. I tried to suppress it, but for me, worry for my daughter was an ever present thing that was sucking the joy out of my life.<br /><br />Then we come to a month ago. Our daughter had taken a turn for the better and had actually seemed to take an interest in eating again. The right circumstances around a meal really made a difference though. We were at the end of one of our longest trips (10 weeks!) and had started a very busy conference. Not only was the conference busy, but they had childcare for our daughter every day of it. We were not with her for much of the day and they were to feed her several meals. This made me nervous because she never eats a meal for anyone but us it seems, and because she had not done well the last time we left her in childcare for several hours. Well, as the days went by, sure enough, without one of us there she wasn't eating and had missed several meals. Her sleep schedule was off and that wasn't helping things either. On Saturday morning I was supposed to give a brief testimony at the Ladies Meeting. When we woke up that morning, our daughter was just not herself and we could not get her to eat. I was really struggling at that point and had no idea how I was possibly going to be able to speak with a clear conscience. I knew I had to deal with my worry or it was going to become a major stumbling block in my life. There was a continental breakfast at the church that morning and when we got there we hoped some of the sweets at least would tempt our daughter. No such luck. I couldn't take it anymore. I left her with my husband and just got out of there. I kept walking until I found some place secluded and just broke down and sobbed. I poured out my heart to God. I took all of my worry and anger and frustration and just laid it at His feet. And then it hit me. He knew exactly where I was. He knew what my circumstances were and that I would have no control over them and He chose to give them to me anyways. Now the question was, "Did I trust Him?" Did I truly believe that He loved my daughter more than I did.<br /><br />That is when, like Samuel's mother, I gave her back to Him. And our new baby. And my husband. And myself.<br /><br />I can't tell you that things got better overnight. It turns out that she had contacted a bug of some kind and by the time we got her "home" (someone's house we were staying at) she had a fever that kept us both out of church the next morning as well. But when I struggled to go back to worrying, I remembered that I shouldn't, I couldn't. Worry was like a cancer in me, slowly eating me up and I couldn't go back there again. With time, it got easier and our daughter got better. Then, to our delight, she picked right back up where she left off and started eating again. Watching the change that has come over her eating habits is amazing! Lesson learned. Worry is not worth it! I am glad God chose to teach me this in a small way and hope I won't need to visit that lesson again any time soon!<br /><br />Here is my life verse (ironically):<br />Is. 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0XGNLLLxpM/UZ5xqjJtL3I/AAAAAAAADGY/EmLH-L9K5_s/s1600/100_7951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0XGNLLLxpM/UZ5xqjJtL3I/AAAAAAAADGY/EmLH-L9K5_s/s320/100_7951.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My sweet husband and beautiful girl who is starting to get some "chub back in those cheeks" as we like to say!</span></div><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-22317062263189745792013-05-15T08:24:00.000-04:002013-05-15T08:24:19.274-04:00Mother's Day MatchingThis year I was lucky enough to go to our church's Mothers Day Banquet with 4 generations of my family. It was me and my daughter, my Mom and Nana.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU8BjPDwYbs/UZLB_z2YSdI/AAAAAAAADD8/9937z_Rxzxc/s1600/100_7903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU8BjPDwYbs/UZLB_z2YSdI/AAAAAAAADD8/9937z_Rxzxc/s320/100_7903.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It was special because my Nana can't get out much any more and because it will probably be our last Mothers Day as we plan to be in Costa Rica by this time next year. As you can see, my Mom and Nana and I like to match. In fact we've been doing it for quite some time. Here is a look into matching outfits of the past!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eATfe954J9U/UZLC81g8iDI/AAAAAAAADEQ/jB4MYymmIdU/s1600/DSCN1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eATfe954J9U/UZLC81g8iDI/AAAAAAAADEQ/jB4MYymmIdU/s320/DSCN1530.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first year we did this was for a table decorating contest. Each table for the banquet was given to a team to decorate however they wanted. It was really a cool idea. I found these shirts for like $2 each so we decorated ourselves as well, and thus a tradition was born!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IFLJFKt1rs/UZLDuFD5waI/AAAAAAAADEc/utmVbepvnSc/s1600/DSCN1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IFLJFKt1rs/UZLDuFD5waI/AAAAAAAADEc/utmVbepvnSc/s320/DSCN1555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9FWHv-6i3E/UZLD_MjkNBI/AAAAAAAADEk/Kd3dEy5TF44/s1600/DSCN1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9FWHv-6i3E/UZLD_MjkNBI/AAAAAAAADEk/Kd3dEy5TF44/s320/DSCN1147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPOWIF7vot0/UZLEGt27C3I/AAAAAAAADEs/D0TSjlNzBL8/s1600/DSCN1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPOWIF7vot0/UZLEGt27C3I/AAAAAAAADEs/D0TSjlNzBL8/s320/DSCN1151.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkGBVEI5ohU/UZLEYIXLzbI/AAAAAAAADE0/bPvEmCrYPSk/s1600/100_6369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkGBVEI5ohU/UZLEYIXLzbI/AAAAAAAADE0/bPvEmCrYPSk/s320/100_6369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kz8GA0jlJ6M/UZLFIa2fQ6I/AAAAAAAADE8/_oHTpEAZWlA/s1600/100_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kz8GA0jlJ6M/UZLFIa2fQ6I/AAAAAAAADE8/_oHTpEAZWlA/s320/100_7147.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got my daughter in on it for Christmas this past year. Her mouth looks funny because she had the chicken pox. Can't wait to get matching dresses for my two girls in the future!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-73764099117100810222013-05-14T19:35:00.000-04:002013-05-14T19:35:03.869-04:00It's a . . . !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GCgCvHH4hY/UZLGiXjD1qI/AAAAAAAADFM/e8WQ11ZfFNk/s1600/103_7820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GCgCvHH4hY/UZLGiXjD1qI/AAAAAAAADFM/e8WQ11ZfFNk/s320/103_7820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This time around we decided to do something different to find out the gender of our 2nd child. I was inspired by one of my best friends&nbsp;<a href="http://allyd1030.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex Marie</a> (check out her awesome blog!). She is due with her first baby just a day apart from me! She and her husband had a gender reveal party to let their family know what they were having. They invited everyone over to their house for fun and snacks and then gave everyone a cupcake. We all ate them as the same time and inside was icing that was blue for a sweet baby boy! I knew that I did not have time to plan something like that but that we could at least do cupcakes. On Sunday I put in an order for 6 cupcakes and let them know that I would be coming by with an icing filling color the next day. On Monday we had our ultrasound but asked the tech not to let us know the gender yet. Instead, I had a slip for her to fill out that I gave to the bakery after the appointment. They already had the cupcakes ready and so it only took a few minutes to finish them up. That evening we had dinner with my parents and for dessert, found out what our baby was!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5-5n5iwI8k/UZLJB7V5ieI/AAAAAAAADFY/5rkdI5LbxAE/s1600/103_7823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5-5n5iwI8k/UZLJB7V5ieI/AAAAAAAADFY/5rkdI5LbxAE/s320/103_7823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tR8KJK69JSQ/UZLJNAi_HVI/AAAAAAAADFg/2fsTJuoIe44/s1600/103_7824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tR8KJK69JSQ/UZLJNAi_HVI/AAAAAAAADFg/2fsTJuoIe44/s320/103_7824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is me in shock as it was the complete opposite of what I was expecting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPQdBYofIAs/UZLJkambHAI/AAAAAAAADFo/q0YJP94-TeY/s1600/103_7828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPQdBYofIAs/UZLJkambHAI/AAAAAAAADFo/q0YJP94-TeY/s320/103_7828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a closer look. We're having another girl!</div><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-11056695470725304402013-04-27T16:38:00.002-04:002013-04-27T16:38:47.314-04:00Style - 17 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5misl7DmBIY/UXwz3x0QQkI/AAAAAAAADC4/vnzZ17NyYHY/s1600/100_7802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5misl7DmBIY/UXwz3x0QQkI/AAAAAAAADC4/vnzZ17NyYHY/s320/100_7802.JPG" width="152" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I finally decided I looked pregnant enough to take a belly picture. This is me at 17 weeks, 1 day. I had a rough beginning for this pregnancy, but Praise the Lord, the morning sickness has gone! I've also tried to pay a lot more attention to what makes me feel bad. I have learned to avoid red sauce, raw vegetables, and too much fried stuff. I know that I can't wear anything real tight across my belly, and I also know that when I'm starting to get too tired, I really need a break or I will start to be in pain. So, if I watch out then things are going pretty well for now!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is an outfit that I wore to go shopping with some ladies from a church in PA. I threw on a denim jacket and it was perfect for the breezy outlets! My favorite stop was the Vera Bradley outlet store. I got an amazing deal on my first purchase for the new baby, a new diaper bag and a bag to go in it for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKUk6MTOU1g/UXw2Ln4SF4I/AAAAAAAADDQ/QZNkP9ngiYU/s1600/100_7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKUk6MTOU1g/UXw2Ln4SF4I/AAAAAAAADDQ/QZNkP9ngiYU/s320/100_7803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlHHrlhUP3E/UXwz35CrbEI/AAAAAAAADC8/nSzZx6o2CgI/s1600/100_7801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlHHrlhUP3E/UXwz35CrbEI/AAAAAAAADC8/nSzZx6o2CgI/s320/100_7801.JPG" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shirt - Rue 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tank - Walmart</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skirt - maternity (gift)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoes - Payless</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace - Charlotte Ruesse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-63128308001474307532013-04-25T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-25T10:00:07.771-04:00Sight and Sound Theaters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FlNJfiKUnA/UXfzcm0VXvI/AAAAAAAADB0/jANlNBRBusw/s1600/100_7799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FlNJfiKUnA/UXfzcm0VXvI/AAAAAAAADB0/jANlNBRBusw/s320/100_7799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We recently had the opportunity to go to a Christian theater production called <a href="http://www.sight-sound.com/WebSite/home.do" target="_blank">Sight and Sound</a>. Up until Fall of 2012 I had never heard of it as it is located in Lancaster, PA, (far from my home) but let me tell you, it is amazing! Back in the Fall we were taken to the show "Jonah" and were astounded by it. This time we were treated to "Noah" and I went with a reviewers eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you drive up you see a very large building that looks like a mega church and are greeted by parking lot assistants that direct you where to go. Outside is a large pretty fountain that lots of groups like to take pictures with (and apparently little girls want to play in!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltKhVWAL0w0/UXfzcxHn89I/AAAAAAAADCA/NukLAwbBhL8/s1600/100_7800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltKhVWAL0w0/UXfzcxHn89I/AAAAAAAADCA/NukLAwbBhL8/s320/100_7800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lobby has been themed with a "Bible times" appearance and smells of candied walnuts which I got to try this time. They allow food and drink in the theater and have a snack bar. Vendors also come out at intermission to sell food and drinks as well.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWjSExViVWQ/UXfzZ8HZz8I/AAAAAAAADBg/DxrQKQR8UwI/s1600/100_7797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWjSExViVWQ/UXfzZ8HZz8I/AAAAAAAADBg/DxrQKQR8UwI/s320/100_7797.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take picture in the theater, but really, that is not a bad thing as it would spoil the surprise! We sat in the balcony both times we went and I really liked the view from there. It seemed like a great place to take everything in from, although I imagine the floor seats are great as well because the actors and animals use the aisles throughout the production. The stage itself is really enormous! Not only does it have a large main stage, but there are areas on the right and left that open up as well and then you are surrounded but the story on all sides. There are even things going on in the ceiling. The sets themselves are amazing! They are extremely detailed and very visually appealing. Think "Disney" quality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTMCoR4plg/UXg5ATh2E0I/AAAAAAAADCM/YnJU_1d2rkE/s1600/100_7796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTMCoR4plg/UXg5ATh2E0I/AAAAAAAADCM/YnJU_1d2rkE/s320/100_7796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Noah" was pretty awesome, but of the two I've seen, I think I actually preferred "Jonah". Both productions follow the Bible closely where they can while taking a little creative license to fill in the story such as extra characters or situations. Both stories were very moving. I was close to tears at points in both and laughed a lot as well. They also make you think about the stories in a different light. For instance, in "Jonah" the people of Ninevah were a lot easier to identify with. They came across as real people in need of God's love and grace. In "Noah" the day to day lives of Noah and his family were brought to life in a way that made you realize how very real things were for them in the years of building the ark and waiting on God to fulfill His promise to them.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a few things to consider before going. From what I understand, tickets are not cheap but you can get deals. Also, these productions are long (2 hours plus) and very young children may not want to sit still that long. There is an intermission, but if your children are distracting (loud or getting out of their seats) they will ask you to take them out to the "children's area". My daughter was 13 months the first time we went and actually did really well, but the second time we went, we were able to leave her behind. Also, be forewarned, the actors dance! Think "David danced before the Lord" type dancing, nothing meant to be "alluring", just period representative. It was nothing that offended us but it might not be everyones cup of tea.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, Sight and Sound is an amazing experience that you should take advantage of it you get the chance. From what I have been told it rivals Broadway but all of the shows are Christ honoring. They share the Gospel at the end and invite you to speak with someone after the show to learn more. If we ever get the chance, I will certainly go again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqGhSxeEd5o/UXg9M-FaGfI/AAAAAAAADCc/OHcl56hYGPI/s1600/100_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqGhSxeEd5o/UXg9M-FaGfI/AAAAAAAADCc/OHcl56hYGPI/s320/100_7795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can find tickets and show schedules&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sight-sound.com/WebSite/tickets.do" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-29054128773856463262013-04-24T10:49:00.000-04:002013-04-24T10:49:24.260-04:00Taking up Toddler ShortsMy sweet girl has a dream body: tall and slender. Except that she's 19 months. Apparently the perfect baby in her size range in short and fat! Usually leggings just come off as skinny pants on her. So when it come to buying her new stuff in the next size it either has to be a dress or leggings, or I have to fix it. When we tried a new pair of 24 month shorts on her she literally walked right out of them. Hence this quick tutorial on how to take up the waist in shorts (which would also work for pants and some skirts). The shorts in question have a flat front with an elastic back. You will only need a needle, thread and scissors for this, as well as minimal hand sewing skills. Straight pins would also be handy but I did not have any on hand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9m9wvrfEYk/UXftVQ7BvRI/AAAAAAAADAs/z-UBJDEqEtc/s1600/100_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9m9wvrfEYk/UXftVQ7BvRI/AAAAAAAADAs/z-UBJDEqEtc/s320/100_7780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;To save space in our car I left my craft stuff at home and only brought a tiny sewing kit from the dollar section at Target, but even it is sufficient for this project.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58dtVI5fh8s/UXftYDG-loI/AAAAAAAADBQ/iiIUI964aZY/s1600/100_7786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58dtVI5fh8s/UXftYDG-loI/AAAAAAAADBQ/iiIUI964aZY/s320/100_7786.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>First, locate the outside seam of the shorts. Determine how much you need to take up and then make a pleat. I used the belt loops on the shorts as a guide.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn4W-LHCiXM/UXftVH_pPkI/AAAAAAAADAo/Ik0R6iYCqFU/s1600/100_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cn4W-LHCiXM/UXftVH_pPkI/AAAAAAAADAo/Ik0R6iYCqFU/s320/100_7781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLbtKs8ZvQg/UXftWODu8zI/AAAAAAAADA4/Jhl4VaEf14U/s1600/100_7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLbtKs8ZvQg/UXftWODu8zI/AAAAAAAADA4/Jhl4VaEf14U/s320/100_7782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You will want the fabric to overlap in the direction of the outside rather than towards the middle. Next, hand sew along the top edge of your fold and secure with a knot. I just followed the stitching that was already there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gejhRvlf99w/UXftXoAH4PI/AAAAAAAADBE/LYZk55VoWo0/s1600/100_7783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gejhRvlf99w/UXftXoAH4PI/AAAAAAAADBE/LYZk55VoWo0/s320/100_7783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I was going to sew along the side as well, but the inch or so of stitching across the top was sufficient. Plus, this gave the shorts a cute "poofy" look. You may want to sew more down if you are altering boys shorts. Do a mirror image on the other side of what you just did and you are done!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVbHBsftvqY/UXftYNeW2AI/AAAAAAAADBM/z6C5A9jNBKU/s1600/100_7785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVbHBsftvqY/UXftYNeW2AI/AAAAAAAADBM/z6C5A9jNBKU/s320/100_7785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then, when your child grows, you can easily take a seam ripper to your stitching!<br /><br />Once we get home I plan to go through my daughter's summer clothes from last year and give you some examples of how to lengthen things.<br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-68266286596027689892013-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-15T10:00:12.705-04:00Pizza Hut Lunch Buffet ReviewSo, I've been looking for new content lately as I have not been cooking, crafting or feeling like taking a lot of outfit pics much (a 10 week trip away from home will do that to you) so I decided to start exploring new areas of interst. Today I bring you my first restaurant review! The hubs and I like to eat. When we get the chance we are "budget" foodies (in our own minds at least!). So when we saw this sign we thought it had some great potential!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhkgtHp3iMc/UWgfdVUBDmI/AAAAAAAAC_0/rA_E3ybjl7o/s1600/100_7755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhkgtHp3iMc/UWgfdVUBDmI/AAAAAAAAC_0/rA_E3ybjl7o/s320/100_7755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Not sure if you can read the sign but Pizza Hut was offering a $4 lunch buffet that included pizza, pasta, salad and dessert! For our little family of three, usually the cheapest we can get away with is about $11 at McDonalds. Sometimes. So we knew this could be really good. And it was!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b8qW6MIdYg/UWggSDKI54I/AAAAAAAAC_8/P8xjOPcjypw/s1600/100_7753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b8qW6MIdYg/UWggSDKI54I/AAAAAAAAC_8/P8xjOPcjypw/s320/100_7753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pxu7U-DO14/UWggwSvKfWI/AAAAAAAADAE/qIF8ZJUK5XE/s1600/100_7754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pxu7U-DO14/UWggwSvKfWI/AAAAAAAADAE/qIF8ZJUK5XE/s320/100_7754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;The buffet was well stocked. They brought out 2 new pizza's while we were there even though it wasn't that busy. The quality was also better than I was expecting. The pasta was really good with lots of cheese and there was a pot of marinara sauce for the bread sticks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUed2OnfjG4/UWggyx1QvYI/AAAAAAAADAU/DY5UrBgIwVo/s1600/100_7749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUed2OnfjG4/UWggyx1QvYI/AAAAAAAADAU/DY5UrBgIwVo/s320/100_7749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The salad was huge. Instead of a salad bar they offered pre-made ones with your choice of dressing. If we had know how big there were going to be we would have split one! And the best part?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NS2MYF4LOw/UWggx_IBtXI/AAAAAAAADAQ/w7Mi9ryWRi8/s1600/100_7750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NS2MYF4LOw/UWggx_IBtXI/AAAAAAAADAQ/w7Mi9ryWRi8/s320/100_7750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our daughter got to chow down for free! I love that! The hubs ordered a soda so with tip, we all walked away full and happy for about $14! For us that is success! Without a drink one person could probably do it for about $5.50 which is cheaper than a combo at McDonald's. I also did not see anything that said this was M-F only so this could be great for a group on a Sunday afternoon. If we see another $4 sign we will be stopping again!Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-50065925256689155602013-04-13T10:00:00.000-04:002013-04-13T10:00:09.539-04:00Spring Wanna-beI had the chance to go thrifting last week and had a very successful trip. I got few new maternity pieces and a few more non-maternity ones that will help me transition. One of those non-maternity pieces was an adorable Tommy Hilfiger wrap dress that I loved! I will be able to wear it for a few more months, but I mostly got it for after the baby comes. It's stretch cotton but the cut is very forgiving. I just wore it for the first time but had to winterize it as upper Michigan has not gotten the memo that it is Spring yet! This was our car after church last night:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya640qvujGk/UWgXoP8EadI/AAAAAAAAC_k/euOyBHYPmI8/s1600/100_7764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya640qvujGk/UWgXoP8EadI/AAAAAAAAC_k/euOyBHYPmI8/s320/100_7764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were thankful for our Dollar Tree ice scraper! I wore my new dress anyway with tights, boots and a sweater and pulled on my trench over that. It's getting hard to button now at about 15 weeks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz3FxlCsfsg/UWgXeKH57KI/AAAAAAAAC_g/2_8wjSMU5DI/s1600/100_7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz3FxlCsfsg/UWgXeKH57KI/AAAAAAAAC_g/2_8wjSMU5DI/s320/100_7766.JPG" width="166" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cardigan: Target</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dress: Thrifted</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boots: French's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Necklace: Versona Accessories</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't wait to wear this in warm weather with sandals and no sweater (it has cute little cap sleeves!)</div><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-89229265205635234722013-04-12T09:52:00.003-04:002013-04-12T09:52:37.497-04:00Easter 2013I know I'm a little late on this one but it has been a busy week. (I'm actually even later now that planned because the internet went out earlier this week when I was going to post this!) Easter was not "normal" for us this year. Instead of being at our home church participating in the drama and having a relaxing lunch with my family we woke up in a hotel and gave our daughter her Easter Basket, had McD's for breakfast, drove 2 1/2 hours, dropped into a church, ate lunch at Captain D's, drove 3 more hours and had a meeting. Then we went home with someone we had just met and had dinner with them and stayed the night at their house. I am NOT complaining, but it was a little overwhelming and I was more than a tad homesick. I usually only get homesick for 2 reasons. 1) My daughter is sick or having a hard time while we travel, 2) I get to missing my family and my church. As crazy as all of that sounds however, there were a lot of good things to the day too! Our daughter LOVED her Easter basket and look precious in her dress which meant a lot to me. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G4_m8tSJ28/UWR-AYhQMbI/AAAAAAAAC-k/o_FC2zWsgLg/s1600/100_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G4_m8tSJ28/UWR-AYhQMbI/AAAAAAAAC-k/o_FC2zWsgLg/s320/100_7692.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>&nbsp;Also, Captain D's was actually pretty good. They have these new fish tenders that are not overly breaded and come with a pretty tasty sauce. I always get a baked potato and mac-n-cheese or a steamed vegetable. It's our place to go for when we feel like a nicer meal at a cheaper price. Our evening meeting also went really well with a good chance of support and the couple that we stayed with was very nice and she was a great cook! This is us, after 5 hours of driving, before our evening meeting. I got to wear a new dress too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99uHwCpOIr0/UWR-Cvt7WdI/AAAAAAAAC-s/DQJYok1NMz0/s1600/100_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99uHwCpOIr0/UWR-Cvt7WdI/AAAAAAAAC-s/DQJYok1NMz0/s320/100_7704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still in the "fat" stage of pregnancy</div><div style="text-align: left;">We also got to do our daughter's first Easter egg hunt the next day. During her nap I hid some eggs inside (it was too cold to go out) and when she woke up we showed her what to do and she loved it, especially after she realized that the eggs had something good inside!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nv3zizbQ58/UWR_cRV628I/AAAAAAAAC-8/NPATtkkJVNA/s1600/100_7709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--nv3zizbQ58/UWR_cRV628I/AAAAAAAAC-8/NPATtkkJVNA/s320/100_7709.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAJJqOD2JOI/UWgRgGY_zjI/AAAAAAAAC_M/yK506vbtIcM/s1600/100_7724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAJJqOD2JOI/UWgRgGY_zjI/AAAAAAAAC_M/yK506vbtIcM/s320/100_7724.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It turned out to be a pretty good Easter after all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1354794717273249991.post-86237258410921388572013-04-03T11:33:00.000-04:002013-04-03T11:33:03.178-04:00Rosette Bib Necklace TutorialBib necklaces have been big this year and they couldn't be easier to make! You only need a few basic materials for my version!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fD8vUYrrTo/UVxGa2Z1UhI/AAAAAAAAC9k/62G6J-gfV0I/s1600/100_7518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fD8vUYrrTo/UVxGa2Z1UhI/AAAAAAAAC9k/62G6J-gfV0I/s320/100_7518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>You will need:<br />Felt<br />Ribbon<br /><a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/sheer-rosette-trim-on-tulle-851485/" target="_blank">Rosette Trim</a><br />Coordinating thread and needle<br />Scissors<br />Pins<br />Hot Glue<br />Gems (optional)<br /><br />I went to Hobby Lobby with a friend to shop on their support day and ended up finding a spool of this beautiful trim on sale for about $3. I had worked with it&nbsp;<a href="http://lilouwyn.blogspot.com/2012/09/matching-mommy-daughter-hair-bows.html" target="_blank">before</a> so I knew its potential as well as the great deal I was getting on it! This is the first project I came up with. I started by cutting them apart and laying a pattern down on my felt. Once I had them arranged I pinned them down to keep them in place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwN4u27hM9o/UVxGk5UyhPI/AAAAAAAAC9w/LOD2XtEOME0/s1600/100_7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwN4u27hM9o/UVxGk5UyhPI/AAAAAAAAC9w/LOD2XtEOME0/s320/100_7519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Next, I took my needle and thread and stitched them down, being careful not to let my stitches show in the front.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQuDUoRSBsw/UVxGpBengII/AAAAAAAAC-A/R63MWkAbSD0/s1600/100_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQuDUoRSBsw/UVxGpBengII/AAAAAAAAC-A/R63MWkAbSD0/s320/100_7520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then I carefully trimmed the excess felt off and after making two squares from the scraps, I used them to secure my ribbon for the tie, which I hot glued in place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQeHE5I_QmE/UVxGoRWo4tI/AAAAAAAAC94/qqaP85n9KRE/s1600/100_7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQeHE5I_QmE/UVxGoRWo4tI/AAAAAAAAC94/qqaP85n9KRE/s320/100_7521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I decided the front needed a little something so I added some gems with hot glue to the center of each rosette.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFEhzGkw2bk/UVxGuOOpJZI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6TW1na60nk8/s1600/100_7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFEhzGkw2bk/UVxGuOOpJZI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6TW1na60nk8/s320/100_7522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This isn't the best picture to showcase it but at least you get an idea of the size. If you make your ribbon long enough they you can raise or lower it to match your neckline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hc8t2qI0Uag/UVxKb_e6_-I/AAAAAAAAC-U/_FNaOwf7Mzw/s1600/100_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hc8t2qI0Uag/UVxKb_e6_-I/AAAAAAAAC-U/_FNaOwf7Mzw/s320/100_7530.JPG" width="155" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't wait to wear it again once we're home with a more springy ensemble!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Michelle Blanzhttps://plus.google.com/114407308161993100614noreply@blogger.com0